Ever wonder why you’re still exhausted—even after a full night’s sleep? Or why brain fog and hormone imbalance seem to linger no matter how “healthy” your habits feel? If alcohol is still in the picture, even just a little, that could be a missing link.

In this episode, I talk with intuitive drinking coach Colleen Freeland about alcohol’s hidden role in disrupting your sleep, spiking cortisol, and draining your energy—especially for women navigating perimenopause, chronic stress, or stubborn fatigue. We’re breaking down the science and psychology behind how alcohol affects your metabolism, hormone balance, and nervous system, even if you're not a heavy drinker.

Whether you’re someone who winds down with wine or drinks socially without thinking twice, this conversation will shift how you see alcohol—and give you tools to reconnect with how you actually want to feel.

What You’ll Hear Inside This Episode:

• How alcohol secretly spikes cortisol and leaves your nervous system stuck in stress mode
• The overlooked way drinking impacts your progesterone levels and sabotages deep sleep
• Why "just one drink" can still disrupt blood sugar, digestion, and next-day energy
• The simple mindset shift that helps you reduce drinking—without guilt or restriction

Alcohol isn’t just a lifestyle choice—it’s a hormonal disruptor. From poor sleep to midday crashes, alcohol quietly rewires your body’s stress and recovery systems. If you’re navigating perimenopause, low energy, or weight loss resistance, this episode unpacks why cutting back might be the most impactful change you can make—and how to do it intuitively.

You’ll learn why alcohol affects your gut health, sleep cycles, cortisol rhythms, and even contributes to hormonal imbalance like estrogen dominance or adrenal fatigue. It’s not about willpower—it’s about understanding the biology and building habits that support your best energy.

We’re not here to ban alcohol. We're here to help you think critically about it. When you shift your intention, you get your energy, sleep, and clarity back—without feeling like you're giving anything up. If you’re tired of waking up groggy, feeling inflamed, or wondering why your stress feels worse after a night out, this one’s for you.

Struggling with bloating, IBS, constipation, fatigue, brain fog, or hormone imbalance? Get expert guidance on gut health, hormone balance, detox, nervous system regulation, weight loss resistance, and upleveling your health.

Join the Women's Wellness Collective, your go-to community for real solutions to boost energy, balance hormones, and improve digestion. Get 1/2 off your first month with code HEALTH at www.megmill.com/collective.

WellPower is a free health magazine by Dr. Meg Mill, packed with expert insights, in-depth articles, and practical tips on hormone balance, gut health, and metabolic wellness for women in perimenopause and beyond. Get your free copy at https://go.megmill.com/wellpower and start optimizing your health today!

Get clarity on your hormones with The Hormone Fixer—a free checklist to help you identify imbalances and take the first steps toward better health. Download now at https://go.megmill.com/hormonefixer.

Let’s connect on Instagram for daily health tips at @drmegmill.

Learn more about how Dr. Meg can help you uplevel your health at www.megmill.com

How to reach Colleen:

• Website: https://www.emotionalsobrietycoaching.com/ 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehangoverwhisperer/?igsh=MTZhNnk5aWozOXk0Nw%3D%3D# 

• Podcast: https://www.emotionalsobrietycoaching.com/podcast 

 

This content is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program.

This podcast is for women in perimenopause and beyond who are struggling with fatigue, brain fog, bloating, weight loss resistance, and unpredictable hormones. If you’re dealing with exhaustion, low energy, digestive discomfort, or hormone imbalances, you’ll learn how to support your metabolism, balance hormones naturally, beat IBS and bloating, and finally break through stubborn weight gain. Discover science-backed strategies to optimize digestion, improve gut health, and manage perimenopause symptoms—without restrictive diets or endless supplements. Whether it’s addressing estrogen dominance, blood sugar balance, or adrenal fatigue, this podcast gives you the tools to take control of your health and feel vibrant again. If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a review or share it with a friend. 

If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too! 

Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow, Just Ingredients Podcast, Longevity with Nathalie Niddam, Wellness Mama, The Dr. Josh Axe Show, Ancient Health Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel, The Dr. Hyman Show, The Thyroid Fixer with Dr. Amie Hornaman, Treated with Dr. Sara, Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin, Better! with Dr. Stephanie, Energized with Dr. Mariza